The Convair B-58 Hustler was the first operational supersonic jet bomber capable of Mach 2 flight. The aircraft was developed for the United States Air Force for service in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the 1960s. Originally intended to fly at high altitudes and speeds to avoid Soviet fighters, the introduction of highly accurate Soviet surface-to-air missiles forced the B-58 into a low-level penetration role that severely limited its range and strategic value. This led to a brief operational career between 1960 and 1969. Its specialized role was succeeded by other American supersonic bombers, such as the FB-111A and the later B-1B Lancer.

The B-58 received a great deal of notoriety due to its sonic boom, which was often heard by the public as it passed overhead in supersonic flight.

Replicating The Firefly, a B-58A that, flown by the 43rd Bombardment Wing, set the New York to Paris speed record of 3:19:51 (an average speed of 1,089.36 mph) in May, 1961, this 1/250 scale, die cast Sky Defenders model features glazed cockpit windows, a fuselage-mounted payload and fuel pod, retracted landing gear, and razor-sharp, printed markings.

Pictured here is a 1:250 scale replica of a USAF Convair B-58A Hustler strategic bomber nicknamed "Greased Lightning," that was attached to the 305th Bomb Wing during the 1960s.
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